Rose Mosaic

Several viruses

8 host plants

Last updated

Data Maturity Baseline

This profile contains verified disease data from extension databases. Regional field notes and expert review are in progress.

Rose mosaic virus causes mottling and discoloration of rose foliage, affecting plant appearance. Remove infected roses and replant with virus-tested stock. Control aphid vectors to prevent spread. This disease is best managed through prevention and removal. These viral conditions are spread by insect vectors. Control the insect population to limit disease spread Early detection and prompt management of symptoms help limit disease spread.

Purchase stock that is clean and/or certified as tested and free of all known viruses. Remove and destroy infected plants.

Quick Reference

Causal Agent
Several viruses
Host Plants
8
Favorable Conditions
Symptoms vary widely and are influenced by time of year, temperature, and spe...

Management

Vulnerability Window

Newly grafted plants and actively growing shoot tips are most vulnerable to symptom development. Plants are susceptible to infection year-round if exposed to infected plant material (through root contact or grafting). Virus establishment in rootstock is permanent; vulnerability windows are more about symptom expression than new infection. Susceptible cultivars ('Madame Butterfly', 'Ophelia', 'Rapture') show symptoms earlier and more severely than less susceptible varieties.

What Triggers Infection

Symptoms vary widely and are influenced by time of year, temperature, and specific virus(es) involved. Cool to moderate temperatures enhance symptom visibility. Characteristic symptoms include chlorotic line patterns (zigzag), ringspots, and mottles appearing sometime during the growing season. Yellow netting and yellow mosaic patterns may also develop. Spring is the most typical period for symptom expression. Viruses can reside latently in rootstock or scion without showing symptoms.

Cultural Controls

  • Use certified virus-tested planting stock from reliable sources. Select immune or resistant cultivars where available. Test soil for Xiphinema spp. (dagger nematodes) before planting and avoid infected soils if possible. Avoid root-grafting with neighboring diseased plants by maintaining plant spacing. Use virus-tested propagation stock. Disinfect tools between plants to prevent mechanical transmission. Rogue and destroy severely infected plants. Do not use cuttings from virus-infected mother plants. Source: PNW Plant Disease Management Handbook

Host Plants (8)